Samuel “Sam” Milton Dickey, age 73, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 10, 1951, in Thayer, Missouri, Sam was the son of Milton Dickey and Fern Coyle Dunlop. On May 2, 1994, he married Shirley, in West Plains, Missouri, beginning a journey filled with devotion, laughter, and shared adventures.
For nearly three decades, Sam proudly owned and operated Dear Crossing, a beloved local flea market where he sold collectible treasures, vintage toys, signs, license plates, and countless novelties that reflected his keen eye and passion for nostalgia. His love for trucks was lifelong and unmistakable. Whether working on them, driving them, or collecting Hot Wheels and truck magazines, Sam’s enthusiasm was infectious. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling across the Midwest to explore other flea markets, always on the hunt for a hidden gem.
Beyond his hobbies and business, he was a loving husband and father that would do anything for his family and friends. Since October 2009, Sam was a faithful member of Union Hill Community Church in Mammoth Spring, where he served as a trustee. His commitment to his faith and community was a quiet but steady source of strength and inspiration.
Sam is survived by his wife, Shirley Dickey; his children, Samuel Milton Dickey Jr., Lisa Marie Armstrong, Jeri Lynn Slarrow, and Jessie Wayne Dickey; his stepdaughter Michelle Jacobsen; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a wide circle of cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Dickey and Fern Coyle Dunlop; his brother Dennis Dickey; half-sisters Judy McKnight and Jennie Dunlop; half-brothers John Dunlop and Jim Dunlop; and stepdaughter Melissa Morgan.
Sam will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of family, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Memorials can be made to:
Safe Night Ministries
2423 Highway 62 412
Highland, Arkansas, 72542
or
Make a Wish
1702 E. Highland Ave, suite 400
Phoenix, AZ 85016
A Visitation will be on October 8, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri, at 12:00 p.m. until procession to the Flint Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
A Graveside Service will be on October 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Flint Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
October 3, 2025 @ 1:06 pm
So sorry for your loss Shirley, Jesse, Lisa, Jeri, Sam JR, Michelle and Erik. He was a gentle, kind person that everyone liked/loved. Shirley and Sam relationship was blessed by God. I know he was devout Christian with a great love for his family. There is no doubt Sam is in heaven!
October 6, 2025 @ 3:38 am
Rest in Peace Sam.
Will miss our conversations
Love
Mitchell Nancy and Erica
October 8, 2025 @ 12:11 pm
Shirley, Ron and I are so very sorry for your loss. I remember when you met Sam and how happy you both were. May the memories that you shared be a blessing. Love Carol
October 6, 2025 @ 8:10 pm
I am so very sorry to learn of Sam’s passing. I remember when he and Shirley met and he lit up her spirit. My sincerest condolences to all who loved Sam and my love and prayers are with you always Shirley.
October 6, 2025 @ 11:33 pm
Shirley I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Sam. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
October 8, 2025 @ 12:24 pm
So sorry for your loss. I know you will see him again in heaven. Prayers for you and your family. 🙏❤️
October 10, 2025 @ 7:40 am
So very sorry for your loss. Sam was a good man, who gave with his heart. I haven’t seen him in I long time but he has always been so kind to me and my family. He and my Daddy were friends for many years and I’ve known him since I was a small kid when we would go out to Wirth and see him. Sending prayers to all of you.
October 10, 2025 @ 12:37 pm
So very sorry for your loss, Shirley. Sending you prayers and love!
Diana and Barry
October 12, 2025 @ 9:17 am
Jim & I are sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. When we traveled the area we always loved to stop & shop & visit with Sam & Shirley. So much fun to find their treasures. Shirley you and your family have our sincere condolences!